MovieChat Forums > Pearl Harbor (2001) Discussion > Michael Bay: Directing Hack or Genius?

Michael Bay: Directing Hack or Genius?

posted 8 years ago by enigma_factory
11 replies | jump to latest

Every indie filmmaker who knows anything about films loves to hate on Michael Bay…or do they? Over-the-top he may be, but is Michael Bay really the worst director alive? I know we are all a bit tired of watching giant robots beat the hell out of each other.

With that said Michael Bay is still one of the best action directors working today. No other director alive can craft images and action sequences that looks like a Michael Bay film, and trust me his style has been ripped off more times over the last twenty years than I can count.

The Rock is still one of my favorite action movies of all time and the Bad Boys films, which are just plan ol’ fun. Armageddon also has a place in my heart, as it’s ridiculous popcorn fun.

If you go to a Michael Bay movie expecting a deep, intellectually challenging film then you are jumping on the wrong Autobot. What Michael Bay does have is an amazing eye for composing shots, creating new angles and camera movements you haven’t seen on screen before.

Check out the videos breaking down "Bayham": https://www.indiefilmhustle.com/michael-bay-bayhem/

[–] indy_go_blue44 8 years ago

A bit of both. He needs to stay away from historical fiction though, and thankfully since his attack on PH he's managed to do that.

[–] CGSailor 8 years ago

and thankfully since his attack on PH he's managed to do that.

Nope. The asshat is making a film about the Benghazi Embassy attack.

I joined the Navy to see the world, only to discover the world is 2/3 water!

[–] indy_go_blue44 8 years ago

Well he made it for 15 years or so.

[–] Darwinskid 8 years ago

Um, Pain & Gain was based on a true story, did you not notice the "This is a true story" in the advertisements?

[–] indy_go_blue44 8 years ago

Actually, I avoid anything about Mike Bay as I avoid the plague.

[–] indy_go_blue44 8 years ago

Actually, I avoid anything about Mike Bay as I avoid the plague.

[–] Darwinskid 8 years ago

Wasn't asking if you saw the movie I was asking how you didn't notice the "This is based on a true story" tag in the advertisements of it which were shown on TV and in theaters, chances are you had to have seen something for it.

[–] club-shred 8 years ago

Bay is not the worst. He is actually pretty awesome at what he does. Worst director would have to go to Wes Anderson.

[–] Austrian_Movie_Maniac 8 years ago

I still find it hard to come to terms with the fact that the guy who made The Rock (a film I absolutely love to watch) also made stuff like the Transformers movies...

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Kung-Fu movies are like porn. 1-on-1 first, then 2-on-1, and then a group scene...

[–] prplayer 8 years ago

agree with Wes Anderson, all style no substance

so many movies, so little time

[–] Strazdamonas 8 years ago

Bay is a bit unique. There are good and bad things about him. But i cant help but respect the man after reading some interviews with him. He may not always produce good results but damn if his opinions about the industry arent worth supporting.

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